Afternoons for Tuesday 17 November 2020

1:17 Covid-19: Canterbury engineers invent new ventilating device

Canterbury University engineers have invented a new device that could save lives as Covid cases surge around the world. Known as the ACTIV system for short, it means two patients can use a ventilator at the same time. 

Distinguished Professor Geoff Chase, from Canterbury University's Mechanical Engineering department and Centre for Bio-Engineering, joins Jesse to explain the benefits.

To see how the ventilator works, watch the US Minds video here.

1:27 Upper Hutt libraries ditch fines for overdue books

Upper Hutt libraries have ditched late fees for overdue books.

The council officially signed off on the change last week saying it believes the move will enable their communities to access the libraries' resources without financial concerns.

Upper Hutt libraries manager Marion Read joins Jesse to explain why they decided to go fine-free.

1:34 Dayspring - support for mothers in West Auckland 

A West Auckland centre that provides wrap around support for mums suffering from pre and and post-natal depression has received a financial boost from The Auckland Foundation.

Dayspring Trust is one of the recipients of its Women's Fund and chief executive, Melissa Popely, joins Jesse to talk about the services they provide and how many more women they'll be able to reach.

1:50 How to Write: A Picture Book Script

This week in our How to Write series, Jesse speaks to  writing teacher Janice Marriott founder of Go Write Now about the art of writing picture book scripts. 

2:10 Pip Adam on libraries and books

Novelist and writer Pip Adam looks at the place of libraries in our lives and the way they've been expanding their services. She shares her special memories of libraries, and of course we'd love to hear yours too! Email Jesse@rnz.co.nz. Pip also talks today about how librarians are represented in fiction and film. 

2:20 Tony Stamp celebrating forty years of the TR-808 ​

It's the the 40th anniversary of the TR-808 - the electric guitar of hip hop and Tony Stamp from RNZ's music says of the drum machine that it's possibly the most influential bit of music hardware in music history and without it, whole genres of music would not exist.

You can see it in action below:

3:10 Witi Ihimaera​ - Navigating the Stars: Māori creation myths.

A good story never ages, especially in the hands of a master storyteller. Creation myths that served as a way for Maori to understand themselves and the world around them are as relevant today as they ever were says beloved  writer Witi Ihimaera. He retells traditional stories for the 21st century  in his new book, Navigating the Stars: Māori creation myths.

3:30 Witness History

In Witness history today, the BBC's Clare Bowes talks to a friend and colleague of Donald Winnicott, a psycholanalyst who helped popularise the idea of " the good enough mother" during the 1940's and 1950's 

3:45 The Panel with Ruth Money and Chris Orr